| Description: |
A
woody climber up to 15 m long, older stems with numerous prominent protrusions. Leaves
broadly heart-shaped; flowers with 3 petals; fruit an ellipsoidal drupe, orange, up to 2
cm long. The stem contains a very bitter milky sap. |
| Ecological distribution: |
In
primary rainforests or mixed deciduous
forests throughout the Philippines; in tropical Asia at altitudes up to 1000 m. |
| Parts used: |
fresh
or dried stem |
| Traditional uses: |
An
infusion is used to treat fever due to malaria; also for jaundice; and against intestinal
worms. |
| Method of
preparation and dosage: |
Boil chopped stem, 30
g fresh or 25 g dried, in 3 glasses of water for 20 minutes. Strain. Take ½ glass of the
decoction twice a day before meals.
|
| Contraindications: |
Bitter
taste not agreeable to most people. Avoid giving to pregnant women and nursing mothers. |
| Special precautions: |
Use
non-metallic containers for preparing the decoction. As with any medication, proper
administration of the designated dose is very important. If no improvement in the
patient’s condition is observed after 2 days, discontinue treatment and consult a
physician or pharmacist. |
| Product available: |
|
| Further information in: |
de Padua,L.S., N.
Bunyapraphatsara, R.H.M.J. Lemmens (Editors). 1999. Plant Resources of South East Asia
12(1) Medicinal and Poisonous Plants. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, the Netherlands.771
pp. |
| Or contact: |
RED Foundation Inc., Los Baños,
Laguna 4031 Philippines Tel no. (63) (049) 536 0205. |
